For centuries, cartographers have struggled to create a truly accurate map of the world. But a new map projection may finally solve the long-standing problem of distorted world maps, offering a more accurate and balanced representation of Earth’s landmasses.
The Equal Earth Projection: A Solution to Distorted Maps
In a recent study published in the International Journal of Geographical Information Science, a team of cartographers—including Tom Patterson, Bojan Šavrič, and Bernhard Jenny—introduced the Equal Earth map projection. This design aims to correct the distortions that have plagued traditional world maps, such as the commonly used Mercator projection.
The Equal Earth map offers a more accurate portrayal of both the size and shape of the world’s continents, addressing the limitations of previous maps that have misrepresented the relative proportions of landmasses.
Why Are Most Maps Distorted?
Most of the maps we are familiar with are distorted in some way. The most widely used map projection, the Mercator projection, created by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569, was designed to preserve the angles and shapes of landmasses, making it particularly useful for navigation. However, it distorts the size of countries and continents, especially near the poles.
This distortion is most evident in the “Greenland problem,” where Greenland appears much larger than it actually is when compared to continents like Africa. In reality, Africa is about 14 times the size of Greenland, but the Mercator projection makes the smaller Greenland look disproportionally large, misleading viewers about the relative sizes of landmasses.
The Gall-Peters Projection: An Attempt to Correct the Size Issue
In response to the Mercator projection’s inaccuracies, the Gall-Peters projection was introduced. This projection accurately depicts the size of landmasses but distorts their shapes. While the Gall-Peters map addresses the size issue, it does not provide an ideal solution, as critics argue that the loss of shape accuracy is a significant downside.
In 2017, Boston Public Schools made the bold decision to abandon the Mercator projection in an effort to “decolonize the curriculum” and switched to the Gall-Peters projection. However, this move raised questions about the balance between size accuracy and shape fidelity, as the Gall-Peters projection distorts the shapes of continents, creating an uncomfortable compromise.
The Equal Earth Map: A Balanced Solution
Recognizing that existing projections could not satisfy both size and shape accuracy, Patterson and his team decided to create a new map. Drawing inspiration from the Robinson projection map of 1963, which gained approval from the National Geographic Society in 1988, the Equal Earth projection offers a fresh solution.
This new map accurately represents both the relative size and shape of landmasses, without the distortion seen in the Mercator or Gall-Peters projections. The Equal Earth projection seeks to balance aesthetics with geographical accuracy, providing a more truthful representation of the Earth’s surface.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for World Maps?
The Equal Earth projection could change how we view world maps, offering a more realistic depiction of the planet’s continents and countries. Whether used in education, navigation, or global discussions, this map design promises to challenge the status quo and provide a more accurate understanding of our world.
